Bioanalytical Chemistry
Although most chemists use analytical chemical methods in their work, the research of some faculty focuses on the development of methods for the analysis of biological activity and detection of biological molecules.
Associated Faculty
Sean Elliott
Bioinorganic chemistry and Metallobiochemistry
Protein film voltammetry (PFV) is used in the Elliott lab as a way to
explore the electron transfer pathways and redox-dependent catalytic
chemistry of complex metalloproteins such as sulfite reductase and multicopper
oxidases. We also are devloping proteomic tools to allow us to probe
the 'metallome' -- a complete read-out of the metal-binding components
of biological pathways -- such that we can develop new insight into the
role of metal ions in biochemistry.
Rosina Georgiadis
Bioanalytical chemistry of interfaces
Our research focuses on the development and use of novel label-free detection
methods based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. Current
projects are focused around the development of novel label-free DNA microarray
technologies. Areas of study include: Electric field effects at interfaces:
rapid mismatch discrimination by electric field induced denaturation.
DNA/protein interactions: screening methods for anti-tumor aptamers as
tumor targeting reagents. DNA/drug interactions: kinetics of binding
novel platinum anti-tumor drugs with oligonucleotides.
Guilford Jones
Pathogen detection using fluorescence bioassays
This work is focused on the development of unique vectors for known sequences
of bacterial genes, including pathogens that are of importance with regard
to biological warfare threats or food and water safety. Fluorescent tagging
of these vectors provides a highly sensitivity method for specific detection
of bacteria.
Richard Laursen
Analysis of bioactivity using peptide arrays
Our current research is directed toward development of new methods of
multiple peptide synthesis as arrays on surfaces to allow rapid screening
of peptides for various biological activities. A newer interest is the
application of the tools of protein chemistry and proteomics, and of
spectroscopy, to the analysis of art and archeological objects.
Associated Graduate Courses
The following graduate courses in the specialization area of bioanalytical chemistry are offered:
GRS CH 612 - Separation Methods in Chemistry and Biochemistry
Prereq: CAS CH 301 or consent of instructor. Methods of chemical separation in chemistry and biochemistry, including gas, high performance liquid, thin layer, ion exchange, size exclusion (gel filtration), affinity chromatography, and electrophoresis. Theory of chromatography, instrumentation, and experimental considerations. Preparative and countercurrent techniques. Three hours lecture. Laursen. 4 cr, 1st sem.
GRS CH 752 - Advanced Topics in Chemical Physics
Prereq: GRS CH 652. Current topics of research in theoretical, computational, and experimental chemical physics. Content varies with the instructor but may include material from such areas as advanced methods in molecular spectroscopy and magnetic resonance, nonlinear laser-induced phenomena, and photoionization and electron-molecule scattering. Coker, Keyes, Mullin, Straub, Ziegler. 4 cr, either sem.